Pelagio Almazar Cruz (June 16, 1912 – October 21, 1986) was the first Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief-of-Staff from the Philippine Air Force. He was the Commanding General of the Philippine Air Force in two occasions from its transition from Philippine Army Air Corps in 1947 to 1951 and again in 1953 to 1956. He is considered as the father of Philippine Air Force.

Pelagio A. Cruz
Pelagio Cruz as Chief of Staff
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines
In office
December 31,1961 – August 1962
PresidentDiosdado Macapagal
Preceded byManuel Cabal
Succeeded byAlfredo M. Santos
Vice Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines
In office
January 1, 1959 – December 28, 1961
PresidentDiosdado Macapagal
Carlos P. Garcia
Preceded byManuel Cabal
Deputy Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines
In office
December 30, 1958 – January 1, 1959
PresidentCarlos P. Garcia
Succeeded byAlfredo Santos
Chief of Philippine Constabulary
In office
June 2, 1958 – December 30, 1958
PresidentCarlos P. Garcia
Preceded byManuel Cabal
Succeeded byIsagani Villoria Campo
Director of National Intelligence Security Authority
In office
1956 – June 2, 1958
Commanding General of Philippine Air Force
In office
November 3, 1953 – December 17, 1956
PresidentElpidio Quirino
Ramon Magsaysay
Preceded byBenito R. Ebuen
Succeeded byBenito R. Ebuen
In office
June 9, 1947 – March 16, 1951
PresidentManuel Roxas
Elpidio Quirino
Preceded byEdwin Andrews
Succeeded byEustacio D. Orobia
Personal details
Born
Pelagio Almazar Cruz

June 16, 1912
Baliuag, Bulacan, Philippine Islands
DiedOctober 21, 1986(1986-10-21) (aged 74)
Quezon City, Philippines
EducationPhilippine Constabulary Academy
ProfessionConstable*Pilot *Soldier
AwardsSilver Star
Gold Cross
Distinguished Unit Badge w/Two Oakleaf Clusters
Philippine Defense Medal with Two Bronze Victory Ribbon
Philippine Liberation Ribbon
Distinguished Service Star
Military service
AllegiancePhilippines
Branch/servicePhilippine Air Force

Philippine Commonwealth Army

Philippine Constabulary
Years of service1932–1962
RankLieutenant GeneralLieutenant General
UnitProvisional PAAC Regiment
CommandsArmed Forces of the Philippines

Philippine Constabulary
Philippine Air Force
Philippine Commonwealth Army

Philippine Army Air Corps
Battles/warsBattle of Bataan
Liberation of the Philippines
Pelagio Cruz

Later years

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Military retirement

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He retired from the active military service on 1 September 1962.[citation needed]

Death

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He died on October 21, 1986, at Quezon City, Philippines at the age of 74.[citation needed]

See also

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